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Showing posts with label Social Commentary.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Commentary.. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Black Business: Why Blacks don't support Black Businesses?

Why Blacks don't support Black Businesses?

According to late psychologist Dr. Amos Wilson "Identity is essential to economics..." In other words, if one does not identity with one's culture its easy to spend your money with others. African American businesses often fail because we no longer identify with being Black holistically.  We've been Americanized in a way that has taken us from the idea of collective work & responsibility (Ujima) and cooperative economics (Ujamaa) as a people.  You darn for sure won't see the Chinese spending a ton of money outside of their community.

Dr. Umar Johnson says "teaching your child that they have a shared identity with their enemy is one of the worst things you can do."  Essentially, what Johnson is saying is, by assimilating ourselves into a system that constantly and consistently attacks Black culture, we are serving a death sentence.  Question is like Joe Madison - "The Black Eagle" often asks "What are you (we) gonna do about it?"  And, the reality is, we can do something about it, if we so choose, in spite of the obstacles.  

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Normalization of Sexual Orientation

The onslaught of media attention over one's sexual preference has hit a level of polarization that makes me wonder.  Why is the choice of one's sexual orientation a big to do?  Is there an agenda behind it?  Of course, I have some understanding of why, and we can run the issue from end zone to end zone.  That is not my undertaking here.   I believe it is one's right to have a preference, and I'm not opposed to that. But, to presuppose that being gay is the new Black, is extreme.  Notably, the LGBTQ community has experienced suppression in various forms, but not to the level of the Black community.  As one of my colleagues said, "There is no comparison."
African American Men wearing "Gay is the new Black" T-Shirt

If I decide to come out like radio host Rickey Smiley as "heterosexual."  Will that make the news or be written off as mere comedy?  When one decides to "come out" such as former pro athlete Michael Sam it truly is their decision, and everyone doesn't need to know.  It's the individual's business and responsibility to be comfortable with the skin their in--not mine, or anyone else's.  I am not an advocate of homophobia, and anyone who chooses to harbor ill feelings against those in the LGBTQ community must stand down.  Constructive honest dialog is the order of the day, and this is the approach I choose to take.


Theologically speaking, transgression is transgression, and the human family shares a common bond when it comes to wrong doing.  The question was raised in my theology class last night: Is being gay the sin or is the sexual act the sin?  There are strong arguments on both sides.  I don't believe being gay in "name" or "title" is a sin because gay, lesbian, etc. is one's sexual preference or orientation--not the sexual act.  According to the standard that the scriptures set biblically and quranically--the "sex act" is the sin.  Therefore, one cannot judge or condemn the LGBTQ community based on a "title."  Many hear the name or title, and automatically think sin.  At the end of the day, we all will have to present ourselves before God as one approved, and give account of our record.

Former Pro Football Player Michael Sam
The reality is, we are in a media age that puts the public into dissemination overload.  The attempt to "normalize" sexual preference and orientation makes me question the agenda.  

Do those in the LGBTQ community deserve the universal and inalienable human rights given to others?  Absolutely!  But, to normalize the obstacles the community endures as having something in common to the plight of the Black struggle is far from the crux of the matter.  Gay, being deemed as the new Black has become the new slogan... But, that is very offensive, misleading, and problematic on many levels, as being gay is not a badge of racial pride, especially when one thoroughly examines what it means to be Black and gay.  In fact, in many cases Black folk who are a part of the LGBTQ community have been alienated and marginalized because of their race, and not their sexuality.  *Originally written Feb 2014, Updated Feb 2016.

Further reading to consider:

‘No Blacks’ Is Not a Sexual Preference. It’s Racism http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/09/09/no-blacks-is-not-a-sexual-preference-it-s-racism.html

The People’s District: 5 Reasons Gay is Not the New Black

Are Gay Men More Racist Than Straight Men?

RACISM IN THE GAY COMMUNITY AND HOMOPHOBIA IN THE BLACK
COMMUNITY: NEGOTIATING THE GAY BLACK MALE EXPERIENCE

‘You’re Really Nice, but I Don’t Date Black Guys’: Racism or Preference? (VIDEO)

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Richard Sherman -- Still a Thug!

Many people are blasting Seahawks defensive back Richard Sherman over his so-called "rant" after the Seahawks Superbowl win. He's been called every derogatory racial slur on the planet. According to reports he is being referred to as a "thug," "crazy man," "gangsta," "dangerous" and last but never least the proverbial "n-word." Now, as a former football player and current coach, I know what it means to play with heart and passion. When you have a competitive spirit, you compete, it's that plain and simple. Guys talk all type of smack in the game of sports on and off the field. It's part of the culture!
Now, do I agree with the many who said his remarks were mistimed, absolutely, but it is what it is, and what is is the game of football. Trash talking is a part of the culture of sports as mentioned above. While critics blasted the likes of Tom Brady (cursed out a referee), John Mcenroe (Classic rant on umpires) Coach Bobby Knight (Throwing chairs), and Coach Mike Gundy (I'm 40, I'm a man) for their rants. All of these individuals (who are White) were romanticized, and never forced to endure the type of derogatory onslaughts that Sherman and other Black athletes endure. Paraphrasing radio talk show host Joe Madison "If you're white it's alright, and if you're black it's not."


Let me switch to my social scientist hat... If you think we live in a post racial America I must say with all due respect-Stop Thinking It! Many people say "African Americans are always playing the race card." But, in all candor, I submit the card cannot be played if it is not in the deck. Black athletes have always been categorically castigated--while our white counterparts are romanticized. Think about some of the greatest rants in sports history. Sherman's exuberance is right in step with the same exuberance that a Serena Williams or Muhammad Ali exclaimed when they won. Ali was dragged through the media during his day, and he too, while not college educated was highly intelligent. America had never seen anything like the bold and charismatic Ali--Ali "shuck up the world," and the labeling of the African American athlete began. Sherman who grew up in Compton is being labeled as "America's New Thug." Never mind the fact that Sherman graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA and went on to Standford to earn a 3.9 GPA--he's still a THUG!

In the words of Muhammad Ali according to Minister Louis Farrakhan during a conversation they had some years back--"The Champ" uttered these words "Still a nigger, brother." What Ali was saying to Farrakhan was that no matter how far African Americans have come in American life we are still thought of as "niggers."  Like blogger Olivia A. Cole wonders, I too am wondering " what it takes for a black man to be regarded as human in America." The categorical castigation of Black males continues and is a result of the perverted mind of white supremacy. I know many think we live in a post racial society, but the dominate power structure can't let it (power) go. The dehumanization of black males continues, and the idea of black male masculinity being seen as dangerous, obtrusive, and thuggish is woven in to the racial tapestry of American life.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

A Woman's Dress is Her Virtuousness: What Do You Have On?

Lady in Tight Dress
Nation of Islam Women
Many of us stare at Muslim sisters or Catholic nuns whom wear head coverings known as a (veil, hijab, jilbab, khimar, or habits) especially when it's 90 degrees out side like "Why? Sister, Why?," not realizing that women wearing head coverings on their heads or clothing that does not reveal all their goods was practiced by ancient African and other Eastern civilizations.  The way a woman dressed back in the day was seen as scared and virtuous, and it reflected her divine nature.  She wasn't rockin' booty shorts and painted on dresses (know don't take me for being holier than thou because I like most men enjoy seeing an attractive woman walking down the street), but the way some women and in particular my sisters dress has gone too damn far, you might as well be naked!  Ladies, I am not try to tell you how to dress or even suggesting that you be a nun or MGT, but what I am doing is giving you a picture of an expression of virtuousness that suggests your Godly worth.  My thing is, aren't you sexually objectified enough in this world?  

Fellas: I say no matter if a sister refers to herself as a "Bad Bitch," or doesn't have a clue of her value, we as men must still respect her.  Now, I know your saying "Bruh, how can I if she's puttin' herself out there like that," and how could she say we're being misogynistic?"  My answer is simple: See the Goddess in her.

As I digress... I had a "Soap Box" moment :-)

Here's where I was going...

Kenyan Nuns
Provocatively Tasteful or Not?
Most Christians do not know that women covering their hair at service was also a common practice within Christianity.  Today, it is more commonly known for being practiced by Muslim women (though not a requirement for women to wear "hijab" in the Qur'an per se; the practiced is upheld based on doctrinal belief from the Hadith of Sahih Bukhari), Catholic nuns, and some Orthodox Jewish traditions.  However, hair covering in the early church was the standard at one time for women, and still is today by some Judeo-Christian traditions.  Women were expected to cover their hair with a large scarf (or shash) while in church, according to (1 Cor 11:2-16).  Note: The narrative given by Paul on women covering their hair is viewed by some as a part of his later diatribe in (1 Cor 14:34) that cogently suggests that women are to remain silent in the church, as form of submissiveness, which I do not particular agree with.  The idea of women covering up here, I contend was and is symbolic of their divine virtuousness that should be honored, cherished,
and respected by men.

"Nuff Said!"
Moreover, in Orthodox synagogues, especially in the Ethiopian church men and women sat separately, with men on the left and women on the right (when facing the altar)--very similar to what you have seen for instance, if you've ever visited Mosque Maryam in Chicago.  Sisters covering their hair and sitting separately from the Brothers in the sanctuary is common among some Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, (prior to the 60's) with Catholics, and with many conservative Protestants (i.e. Adventist churches).  This is an interesting interwoven parallel between the three Abrahamic faith traditions.  So, next time you see a sister covered don't stare in astonishment, but acknowledge that she is upholding her faith and conviction not because she is restricted or weak, but because she is striving to exemplify virtuousness through her expression of her Godly worth.  ~Peace Be With You, Bro. Lamon

Scriptural Study:

Paul speaking On Covering the Head in Worship (1 Cor 11:2-16 NIV)

Gabrielle Union  with Style  & Class
I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man,a and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

A man ought not to cover his head,b since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

O children of Adam, We haveindeed sent down to you clothing tocover your shame, and (clothing) forbeauty; and clothing that guardsagainst evil — that is the best. This is of the messages of Allah (God) that theymay be mindful. ~Surah 7:26 (Maulana Muhammad Ali Translation)

O Prophet, tell thy wives and thydaughters and the women of believersto let down upon them their over-garments. This is more proper, so thatthey may be known, and not be giventrouble. And Allah (God) is ever Forgiving, Merciful. ~Surah 33:59 (Maulana Muhammad Ali Translation)

“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close around them. that will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever forgiving, merciful…” (Surah 33:59 from A. Yusef Ali’s translation of the Qur’an; other versions translate the original Arabic as “veils” where Ali uses “cloaks”).  ~Source: http://postcolonialstudies.emory.edu/women-islam-and-hijab/

Hadiths 

“My Lord agreed with me (‘Umar) in three things … (2) And as regards the veiling of women, I said ‘O Allah’s Apostle! I wish you ordered your wives to cover themselves from the men because good and bad ones talk to them.’ So the verse of the veiling of the women was revealed” (Bukhari, v1, bk 8, sunnah 395). ~Source: http://postcolonialstudies.emory.edu/women-islam-and-hijab/

"Ayesha (rad.i-Allahu `anha) reported that Asma’ the daughter of Abu Bakr (rad.i-Allahu `anhu) came to the Messenger of Allah  while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asma’! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands." [Abu Dawud]

Ibn Qudama in al-Mughni (1:349) explained that showing the face and hands are a specific dispensation within the general meaning of the hadith "All of the woman’s body is considered her nakedness [to those outside the mahram relationship or her husband]." (al-mar'atu `awra)

`Ayesha (rad.i-Allahu `anha) said: "I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allah  and my father (Abu Bakr) were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father. But when 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab (rad.i-Allahu `anh) was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from 'Umar."



Saturday, May 4, 2013

"Hands Off Assata"

Know the facts... This is much deeper than we think a big part of this is about getting at Cuba, let alone Sis. Assata. Cuba is the itch that America can't stop scratching. Cuba offered support to aid Katrina victims, but America arrogantly refused. Remember, the mob boys back in the day once owned Cuba and were stripped of their power when Castro & Che' ran them out--so, that has not been forgiven, the pressure on America to get back control of Cuba is increasing. Now, Jay and B going to Cuba recently raised some smoke--Jay got his slap on the wrist from the POTUS last week in a joke "I got 99 problems and now Jay-Z's one."  Placing Sis. Assata on this list "is an attempt to inflame public opinion," as her lawyer said, for it is also the pretext to something bigger.  I say "Hands Off Assata" & Free All Political Prisoners... Mumia Abu Jamal, Romaine "Chip" Fitzgerald, and "the countless others who have been falsely locked up by this white man."


Monday, June 18, 2012

The New Slave Shoe... Chains & Shackles Remixed


"A test market of who or how many Africans are awake in the Americas, it does not matter we know that they are still sleep." ~Annini


Many people will ask, "what's the big deal?, it's just a shoe!"  "It's makes a fashion statement...," or, even worst when someone Black says "Who cares slavery is over and besides other Blacks sold Blacks into slavery."  What an asinine statement from someone who is not able to understand, and share genuine feelings of concern, for all of the pain and suffering our great-great grandparents endured while in chattel enslavement during the African Holocaust.

"JS Roundhouse Mids, dropping in August."
It is very saddening to note especially when someone who is Black makes such an absurd statement.  I can almost bet my last dollar, as guest columnist Tingba Muhammad noted in a recent column in The Final Call Newspaper, "It is almost impossible to imagine a Jewish person saying anything similar: 'Since there were Jews that financially supported Hitler, and Jews that were soldiers and officers in the Nazi army, and Jews that delivered other Jews to the concentration camps, I don’t want to hear about any Jewish Holocaust.'"  Indeed, such a statement is impossible to imagine to juxtapose the horror and ongoing effects of the suffering, pain and total destruction of a people.

Bottom line is, we have to educated, and teach our young people point blank not to buy into this buffoonery & trickery, like J-Cole said in the joint 'Nobody's Perfect,' "They killin niggas for J's, that's death over designer..."  At the end of the day, this is just another in a long line of signs, and as I like to cogently say "another kick in the ass!"  Time is long over do... WAKE UP & DO FOR SELF!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

'C'mon Son' (Metta World Peace)

According to Buddhist teaching, Metta (Pali) is a benevolence toward all beings, without discrimination, that is free of selfish attachment. It is a strong, sincere wish for the happiness of all beings.

C'mon son!!!

Come on my dude formally known as Ron Artest aka Ron Ron... we all thought you learned from your past dear brother. What a poor example of benevolent sportsmanship! But I suppose we all have to keep to our duty and renew ourselves daily in the Universal Divine Order of Peace & Equality! -The Brotha

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Our Little Brother Trayvon Martin! No Justice, No Peace!


There is really nothing more to be said in this matter, the brotha will let the visual aids speak!!!

Peace indeed to the family of Our Lil' Brother Trayvon, and May Allah (God) be pleased with him!

What is a Black Life worth in 2012? What is the life of the disenfranchised, poor and oppressed worth?


                                  Did you forget about Mrs. Mamie Till's baby boy Emmett? 1941-1955





 I know you have not forgotten about Mrs. Mamie Till's Baby Boy?


                                                                 Trayvon by Jasiri X



                                            
                                                           Strange Fruit -Billie Holiday

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Truth & Widsdom : The Shock of the Hour, Katrina & Rita

"I don't serve some milquetoast God... He is a God of ultimate power." -Farrakhan

Cogitate this... Peeps all over the country brace as we get ready for another hurricane to hit... This time it's Rita (another sista)!!! But seriously, peeps have different opinions about why this devastation is happening--some say it's to get rid of evil, some say God is not happy w/ America, Kayne says "Bush don't like Black people." There are a number of factors that play a role in the reasoning of why but we as people have to be wise and seek truth when in doubt. In order to do this, we must carefully examine from an unadulterated historical, factual, and spiritual perspective in order to get answers. This is just a thought... What do you feel???

-L aka The Brotha

Chew on this spiritual perspective... I thought this was interesting!!!

***The element of surprise comes upon us when we are not prepared to deal with truth! Truth is the foundation of life as discipline has been said to be the foundation of wisdom. When we seek The Creator as we should without hesitance we will receive all that he has for us!!! The Creator has many attributes and we as believers whether of traditional or non-traditional faiths tend to focus on The Creator's non-threatening attributes (in which we should rightfully so), i.e., mercy, grace, or love... And forget about his attributes of wrath, anger, & destruction. Let us be wise and ponder what has been shared w/ us through scripture...

Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."
Genesis 6:3 NIV

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20 NIV

Those who disbelieve -- it being alike to them whether thou warn them or warn them not -- they will not believe.
Surah (Chap) 2:6 Holy Quran

Comments on the blog:

T writes:

I've been tripping off all of the devastation that is going on in our own backyard for weeks now.. And the question does present itself- Why is this happening here??? On our soil?? The problem is we as Americans are so immune to things happening to us because we always see them when they occur halfway around the world.. I think that's why so many people felt either connected because they do have half a heart or they have people down there or they felt disconnected because they don't understand the magnitude of these occurrences and the effect they have on our country emotionally and fiscally for years to come..I think some people treated it like it was happening in another country. I had someone tell me "Why do you care about something that happened in some other state?" I had to brush it off because it was a young white male who obviously has no sense of the world around him and I can only blame his parents for his stupidity.

As I watched the situation unfold Down South, and I saw all of the things that occurred after the hurricane @ the Superdome and the Convention Center.. I was sick, frustrated, and down right pissed. I can't even tell you how many angry emails went out to these new stations for calling citizens "refugees" like they've never payed taxes in this country. But those responsible for things that could have been controlled will be dealt with in due time- on this planet or in the afterlife. And then you're left with the questions- many questions that we'll never know the true answer to because people are so clever and strategic at the blame game. At times like this, the only thing you can lean on is Faith.

As far as the spiritual aspect of the situation, I don't think that the "Powers that Be" would place anything on our doorsteps that we can't handle. I think every few years or decades, there has to be a spiritual shock-wave sent through our society so that people don't forget that no matter what your religious beliefs are, we do have a Creator and this time on earth will soon come to an end.. Be kind to your fellow man and take nothing for granted.


- Copyright Sept 2005 Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings

The Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings is an organization of Believers of the Universal Divine Creator/One God of the Universe who are students of Divine scriptural teachings who cross generational, religious, and cultural gaps to promote healing and to reveal the linkages between all Believers of the Universal Divine Creator/One God of the Universe... by whatever name you call Him, He is the same Universal Divine Creator/One God of the entire Universe.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Who are "they?"

The history of an oppressed people is hidden in the lies and the agreed myth of its conquerors. -Meridel Le Seuer
Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.” – Frantz Fanon


In the African American community the term used to describe white people or those in power, control, and domination is, "they." One has often wondered who "they" actually were, apart from the sole belief that "they," were only a people or race. One engaging in conversation(s) over the ill effects of socio-economic, political, and racial issues and concerns where blacks, Latinos, and other racially discriminated groups are involved, most likely would invoke the notion of "they did it," or "they caused it" or "they set it up," alluding to "the white."


People Talkin'
Looking at "they" in the context as systems or

constructs puts a clearer understanding of the term in play for me. When we define "they" as systems of control, domination, power, and oppression, we tell the whole truth of the matter versus just saying "they" meaning "the white man did it." There is no doubt that "they" have been the leading architects of these systems of control, domination, power, and oppression. But to suggest that all white men or people are solely responsible for the effect(s) these various systems of control, domination, power, and oppression have and still present are not fully just.


We must continue to tell the whole story of the matter and not omit portions we are unconformable with, ashamed of, or offer up an adulterated version(s) that demonizes or attributes effects or outcomes inappropriately or solely. As African Americans, we must own up to the fact that there were other Africans involved in the ushering in of the "Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade." Perhaps not to the degree of those who carried it out and received a huge benefit from it, like the Portuguese, the British, the French, the Spanish, the Dutch, and Americans. Which by the way, from a theological perspective suggests that these people were perhaps Jews, Christians, and Muslims in many cases. Moreover, when we allow ourselves to be transparent, we allow the spirit of Christ the ability to free and renew our hearts and minds.

PBWY

Bro. Lamon

Friday, June 10, 2011

Where did Rap Music & Hip Hop Culture go?

"You have to create problems to create profit. There is no profit under the current paradigm in saving lives, putting balance on this planet, having justice and peace or anything else. There is just no profit there."- Michael Ruppert


Technique 1200's Turntable

Long before Hip Hop came on the scene in the late 70's and early 80's before sky rocketing into the 90's--she was destined to become an anomaly.  The deviation and departure from the original essence of rap has caused a paradigm shift that has caused her to make a turn to the dark side like Anakin Skywalker.  To suggest that Rap Music and Hip Hop culture have fallen into a cesspool of filth, outrageous sensationalism, and pompous grandeur today would not be an unfair assessment.

Hip Hop is no different than any other activity of life and is not exempt from the grasps of corruption or damage that is reflective of the current state of human life today.  As a former DJ, I cherished the days of putting a vinyl record on a Technique 1200 turntable, it was simply priceless! 

The Golden Era
During the Golden Era of Hip Hop (1986-1999), the era that I am most intimate with sparked of the most influential period of music history in modern times.  Like Muhammad Ali said, "I shuck up the world!"  That's exactly what Hip Hop did on so many levels because it was an expression of a generation.  Chuck D of Public Enemy said it best "Rap is the CNN of the ghetto."  This was the time of the beautiful diversity in Rap Music and Hip Hop culture that expressed various perspectives of urban life.  We had a menu of choices to choose from that spoke to our collective and diverse interests.  There was the politically sharp Public Enemy, the savvy Run-DMC, the controversial NWA, and the jovial DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince to just name a few.  Hip Hop allowed us to be ourselves and not have to emulate anybody else but ourselves. 


B.I.G. & Pac early 90's
I saw the change coming during the East Coast/West Coast Beef which was a sign of what was to come..  The implementation of diabolically concocted schemes and tactics descended upon Hip Hop culture like bats in the night--schemes like what I've termed as "crime profit theory," the shrewd economic tactic practiced by privatized companies to gain and profit off of the prison system.  Of the nearly 2.1 million adult men and women imprisoned in the United States, roughly 70% are persons of color (Davis, 1998).  Many of them are Black and Latino males between the ages of 18-35 in this country (USA) and of those many most are in prisons run by private corporations like Corrections Corporation of America, Wackenhut, who trade their stock on Wall Street based upon how many people are in jail (Ruppert, 2011).

In my humble estimation this is no different than Blacks in the south picking cotton from sun up to sun down or being sharecroppers making pennies--while those who profited off of their blood, sweat, and tears made millions!  "It's all the same game," just an updated version.  "Recording executives are more interested in turning a quick buck than nurturing rap culture -- and they are behind the apparent demise of hip-hop music," suggests Hip Hop legend Davey D.  And might I add the demise of American music in general.

So, for one to assert that the "East Coast/West Coast Beef" was orchestrated wouldn't be too preposterous of an assertion especially when covert and overt operations like CONTELPRO existed during the 60's to expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize" the activities of those progressive socio-political movements and their leaders of the 60's.  The beef sure made a lot of people rich in particular the record companies and yet the murders of Biggie and Pac still remain unsolved.

Hip Hop Culture
The "dumbing down" of Rap music to gain profit versus producing a culture that has a keen mental perspective is outright criminal!  The high bar that was set in the early 90's by acts like the Ghetto Boys, Spice 1, Ice-T, Eric B & Rakim, Kool G. Rap, and KRS-One of the vivid accounts of urban life fell off dramatically and abruptly started the demise of a culture that was once responsible for changing and saving a generation.  The neutralization of powerful voices like Poor Righteous Teachers, Gangstarr, Brand Nubian, X-Clan, and Kam were all diminished by the late 90's quickly became directly and in-directly responsible for the filthy, disrespectful, and deplorable condition(s) of a generation.  Today, we have more and more Black and Latino teen pregnancy, teen violence, and teens not graduating from high school like never before as all the latest statistics suggest.  All of these ill conditions can not only be linked to Hip Hop culture but to a failing educational system, the prison industrial complex, and a corrupt monetary system, just to name a few.

Thank the Hip Hop gods for the re-birth of conscious rap and that there is hope but it is being challenged and comprised daily.  Now, we have the likes of Common and Kayne West, whom many would say have gone mainstream and have been suppressed from the conscious rappers that they once were so they could make more money.  I beg to differ in some respects but that's another story.  But there are others like Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Mos Def along with the refreshing Lupe Fiasco and the intelligent Mikkey Halsted both from Chicago and the radically charged Kendrick Lamar of Compton who are carrying the torch.  The edgy late 90's rap trio the LOX whom were signed to Bad Boy Records the label that broke the careers of the late great Notorious B.I.G. and Puffy made a serious suggestion "Let's Start Rap Over, Back To The Way Things Were."  Where's the love? 


Nuff Said!
Literary, Scriptural Support, & Footnotes:

Davis, Angela Y. September 1, 1998. "Masked Racism: Reflections on the Prison Industrial Complex". See
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